Oswego County's: Guide To Government

Patty Ritchie

Patty Ritchie is a lifelong resident of Upstate. Patty grew up in DePeyster, graduating from Heuvelton Central High, Mater Dei College and SUNY Potsdam, and chose to stay in Northern New York and raise her own family.

Patty's always had a strong interest in serving her community, so she sought election as St. Lawrence County Clerk, was reelected twice with strong, bipartisan support, and served in that role for over a decade.

As County Clerk, she secured many notable successes, including fulfilling her very first campaign pledge to make the County Clerk's Office more accessible and user-friendly for residents of her sprawling county. She established four local DMV offices that eliminated long lines, improved efficiency, and increased revenue for the county.

Her Clerk's Office turned an annual profit through an innovative program she created that actively sought DMV business from downstate auto dealers, returning millions of dollars to the county that was used to hold the line on local property taxes.

Patty has committed to carrying her reputation for customer service, and concern for individuals and communities through to her new role as State Senator.

Her leadership on issues ranging from opposing higher fees to battling Governor Spitzer's plan to give drivers licenses to illegal aliens led to her selection as President of the statewide association that represents all 62 of New York's County Clerks.

In that position, Patty rallied her fellow Clerks to join forces and successfully stopped Albany's plan to require new license plates for every car, truck, motorcycle and trailer. The effort to stop new license plates saved Northern and Central New York businesses and families more than $7 million.

Patty Ritchie was elected to the State Senate in 2010, defeating a popular, four-term, Albany incumbent in a campaign that focused on the need to strengthen the economy of Central and Northern New York, create jobs, lower taxes, and combat waste and overregulation.

Patty Ritchie lives in the Town of Oswegatchie with her husband, Tom. The couple has three adult children, and in 2010, welcomed their first grandchild.

Vote in 2010 Election

Patty Ritchie - Republican ............................ 38,508
Darrel Aubertine Democrat .......................... 34,712